In Iowa, Clinton Says Climate Plan Will Promote Renewables

Democratic presidential candidate Hillary Rodham Clinton planned to unveil a plan Sunday aimed at combating climate change that includes revisions in the tax code to promote renewable energy.

In Iowa, the nation's second-leading wind energy producer, Clinton said people are "just not paying attention" if they don't acknowledge climate change.

Clinton said she supported renewing the wind energy tax credit and getting other tax incentives "fixed" to promote renewable fuel.

Though Clinton hinted that under her plan the coal industry would face changes, she said the federal government would help the industry.

Climate change has become a key issue in the Democratic presidential primary, where Clinton is the heavy favorite. Billionaire Tom Steyer has led an effort to promote the issue. Steyer hosted a fundraiser for Clinton in May.

"We can make a transition over time from a fossil fuel economy, predominantly, to a clean renewable energy economy, predominantly," Clinton said later during an event at a central Iowa rural home.

Changes in the tax code aimed at promoting renewable energy and transitioning away from coal is a tricky political position in key places in the country. Southeast Ohio and western Pennsylvania, states that have been pivotal in recent elections, remain the home of key coal-producing areas.

Clinton was making her comments at Iowa State University in Ames and later in Carroll.

Clinton said she planned to post the plan on her campaign website at 7 p.m. EDT, and explain it in more detail during an event Monday in Des Moines.

Former Maryland Gov. Martin O'Malley, also seeking the 2016 Democratic presidential nomination, noted Sunday that he unveiled a climate change plan in Iowa. Campaign aides to O'Malley said that as governor, he made climate change a top priority, doubled Maryland's renewable fuel production, and reduced greenhouse gases by 10 percent during his two terms.